Even though it feels like Christmas was only last week and the New Year hangover has just subsided (have we officially stopped wishing each other Happy New Year yet?) children have been back at school for over a month now and half term is upon us once more. Mums and Dads who have yet to don their thinking caps to plan how to keep their little angels amused for a week may be grateful for the following suggestions from the team at WoodenToyShop.
Although National Library Day was last month, there could not be a better and indeed more important time to visit your local library. With many local libraries threatened by local authority spending cuts and some having already closed, show your support for libraries and the dedicated teams of librarians who manage them by taking your children along during half term. Many libraries organise dedicated half term events, such as storytelling, but when I was little I preferred being left to my own devices while I looked for a new book. You will never regret taking your children to libraries from an early age and instilling them with a love of books and whether they tell you or not, one day they will be very grateful that you did. (You will be able to find details of your nearest library on your local authority’s website.
Visit a local museum. Many museums, both local and national, put on events and activities for children during half terms and holidays. Lots of museums do not charge for entry, so like a trip to the library, a visit to the museum can be an inexpensive but educational and entertaining day out.
Check out your local newspaper. We’re all for getting your news online these days, but don’t forget that your local newspaper is often a font of very useful information, where local groups and businesses will publicise events, advertise special offers and even publish discount coupons.
Who wants a game of dominoes?
At this time of year (well, at any time of year here in good old Great Britain) you just have to plan for bad weather and prepare some stay-at-home indoor activities. If you have more than one to look after, your children may enjoy playing some traditional wooden games or board games. Or they may prefer to put on one of Dad’s old shirts, get the easel and paints out and start working on their latest masterpiece.
The resounding success of the Great British Bake off, coupled with children’s love of copying the grownups in the kitchen, means that an afternoon in the kitchen is bound to be a very popular half term activity. The BBC Good Food website is filled with recipes you can try with your children, including this very easy one for chocolate corn flakes. On the other hand, if you can’t bear the mess then there are plenty of options amongst our selection of play food, including this Melissa and Doug Bake and Decorate Cupcake Set, which will keep things clean and tidy at home.
Time for some fun in the kitchen?
Of course, we are all yearning for a spell of dry weather and the opportunity to get outside and breathe some fresh, clean air. If the weather holds, why not try ticking off some of the activities on the National Trust’s 50 Things to Do Before You’re 11 3/4 list.
Whatever you and your children do this coming half term, we hope it’s an enjoyable break for all of the family.
